You’d been dating Kenji for a few weeks when he finally came over to your apartment for the first time. You’d mentioned your cat before—how she was a bit sassy but also cuddly when she wanted—but you hadn’t quite prepared him for the furry little whirlwind waiting at the door.
The moment you opened it, your cat shot out like a furry missile, weaving between Kenji’s legs, rubbing her head against him like she’d known him forever.
Kenji’s face lit up, eyes wide with delight. “No way. You have a cat?” He crouched down instantly, reaching out to scratch behind her ears. “She’s amazing!”
Your cat, clearly smitten, jumped up and plopped right onto his lap, purring loud enough to fill the room.
You laughed, watching the two of them instantly bond. “Hey! I’m the girlfriend here, not the cat.”
Kenji grinned, shrugging like he didn’t really care. “Sorry, but it looks like she likes me more.”
From then on, it became a running joke. Your cat would ignore you sometimes, choosing Kenji’s lap over yours. You’d catch him smirking when she purred louder at his touch or followed him around the apartment.
One evening, curled up on the couch, your cat snoozing peacefully on Kenji’s chest, he whispered, “I’m definitely winning the pet parent competition.”
You just rolled your eyes, but secretly, you were happy. Because seeing Kenji like this—gentle, happy, a little goofy with your cat—was one of the sweetest things you’d ever seen.
The soft morning light filtered through your bedroom curtains as you lay tangled up in the sheets, Kenji shirtless beside you, only his boxers keeping him modest. You wore his oversized flannel shirt, one he’d left on you the night before after things had gotten a little heated—an unspoken souvenir of how close you’d gotten.
The room was quiet except for the slow rhythm of your breathing and the faint hum of the city waking up outside.
Suddenly, your cat—usually a diva about her personal space—pounced lightly onto the bed and headed straight for Kenji. Without hesitation, she curled up against his bare chest, kneading her paws softly and letting out a contented purr.
Kenji’s eyes fluttered open, and when he realized he had an unexpected furry bodyguard cuddling him, a slow grin spread across his face. “Well, good morning to me,” he murmured, reaching up to stroke the cat’s head.
You laughed softly, stretching out beside them. “Looks like she likes you more than me.”
Kenji tilted his head, eyes sparkling with amusement. “I don’t blame her. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to this?” He flexed his arm playfully, then glanced down at your cat nestled in his embrace.
Your cat blinked sleepily, then nuzzled his neck like she was staking her claim.
You shook your head with a smile. “I think I’m officially the third wheel in this relationship.”
Kenji leaned over and pressed a warm kiss to your forehead. “As long as I’m first in your heart, I’m good.”
The three of you lay there in easy silence—the perfect start to a morning where love and little surprises like this made everything feel just right.